Ad Venture Hobbies in Wheeling continues to provide fun
An interview with George N. Gaynor Jr., owner of Ad Venture Hobbies in Wheeling.
Q: Describe your business. What do you do?
A: We are a retail hobby shop and hobby service center. We sell fun and fix things when you've had a little too much fun. We are an old fashioned neighborhood, family owned hobby shop that tries to cater to both the old school way of doing things as well as meeting the needs of the new customers interested in more ready to go items and new industry products, like radio control airplanes that come ready-to-fly out of the box with transmitter; no building, but minimal assembly.
Q: What made you start your business?
A: It was a favorite childhood store that became available for sale. My dad and I found the store when I was about 5 years old and have been faithful customers and friends with the original owner ever since.
Q: What has been the most difficult obstacle in running or starting a small business?
A: It's a huge misconception that owning your own business is somehow easier than your average job. You are never truly “off the clock.” It is definitely a job that follows you home.
Q: What do you enjoy most about operating your business?
A: Selling fun — making sure the customer gets the knowledge/advice they need to actually have fun and have success. Going full circle with selling the right product to the right person and following through so that they have the right skills to really have a great time.
Q: Is this what you pictured yourself doing when you were young? When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: No, I thought I'd be on the floor of the Board of Trade, trading stocks. That's what I wanted to be when I was young. It's what my dad does.
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: Rising competition from the Internet and China. That's mainly what keeps me up at night, besides my crying baby of course.
Q: If you could give one tip to a rookie business owner, what would it be?
A: Focus on the customer. Figuring out what they actually need versus what they want. Showing them what's best for them. That's what will keep them happy and coming back.
— Kim Mikus
Ÿ Every Monday we feature a local small business. We want to hear about yours. Contact Kim Mikus at kmikus@dailyherald.com for more information.
Business: Ad Venture Hobbies
Address: 23 Huntington Lane, Wheeling, IL 60090
Phone: (847) 537-8669
Owner: George N. Gaynor Jr.
Web address: www.ad-venturehobbies.com
Business started: September 2009